Elevating Brisbane

From humble beginnings to their biggest venture yet, SARAH & SEBASTIAN is a constant reminder that design doesn’t have to come at a cost.

By ASTRID TAEMETS

Sarah Munro: After graduating with an honours degree in Design, I worked full-time before co-founding SARAH & SEBASTIAN with Robert in 2011. We were both passionate about creating something together, so we started designing jewellery in our spare time. In the early days, it was just the two of us designing and creating, and we worked long hours – often up to 80 hours a week. It took a couple of years before we felt confident enough to dedicate ourselves to the brand full-time. It was a leap of faith that we have never looked back on.

Robert Grynkofki: My background is industrial design. I studied jewellery design and goldsmithing in Germany before moving to Australia. When Sarah and I met, we realised we shared a passion for design and craftsmanship, and decided to start our own brand. With our combined experience, SARAH & SEBASTIAN has since become renowned for unique, handcrafted designs.

In your own words, how would you describe the brand?

SM: SARAH & SEBASTIAN is an influential jewellery studio that values concept-led design and quality craftsmanship. We’re committed to providing responsibly handcrafted pieces that embody a modern lifestyle and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment, especially our oceans.

What are your biggest inspirations?

Equipped with four hands and a drive to develop a new form of fine jewellery, Sarah Munro and Robert Sebastian Grynkofki launched their eponymous fine jewellery label, SARAH & SEBASTIAN in 2011.

Since then, the brand has grown and evolved, elevating their techniques and luxury offerings to new heights, increasing their unique services all while delving deep into their philanthropic passion for the ocean.

And, with the arrival of their biggest store opening yet on Edward Street in Brisbane City, we took five to chat all things jewellery, inspiration, and design with Sarah and Robert...

SM: As a recreational diver, the ocean is a constant source of inspiration. I go diving regularly in Australia, and whenever I get a chance to travel internationally, it’s almost always centred around diving. I often translate these experiences into a creative visual language, feeling inspired to create jewellery that celebrates organic shapes and textures, such as the delicate curves of seashells or intricate patterns of coral.

RG: Alongside talented local artisans and renowned international retailers, the location was chosen because it aligned with our commitment to showcasing specialty pieces in a setting that exudes luxury and sophistication. It is our largest to date, with five times the footprint of our first store in Sydney’s Paddington, which opened in 2017, which allows us to fully showcase our entire suite of services: SOLDERED™, piercing, fine jewellery, and wedding and engagement consultations.